Taking Chicago public transportation is a great way to get around town on a budget. Chicago has a huge public transit system, so be sure to take advantage of it! After you read this guide you’ll be able to use Chicago’s public transportation to arrive at the meeting points of our Free Chicago Walking Tours.
‘L’ train (as in elevated)
The ‘L’ or ‘el’ train is one of the most popular methods of Chicago public transportation. The Chicago elevated railway operates 24 hours a day and can pretty much get you anywhere you need to go. You can download the CTA app (CTA = Chicago Transit Authority – the organization that runs Chicago public transportation) to get routes and live schedules! A fare is roughly $2.50 and you have several options to pay. You can also get a Ventra card which allows you to load 30 days of unlimited travel for $100. There are also 3 and 7 day passes available for those who may be visiting Chicago for a little while.
The ‘L’ will be jam-packed during the business rush hour which is weekday mornings until 9am and then again from 4-6pm.
Buses
So maybe you’re not near an L station, that’s OK. The buses are literally everywhere which means there is a good chance you can catch one nearby. They run 24 hours a day, have a fleet of 1,800 buses and run more than 2,400 routes covering over 2,200 miles. Fares are affordable and you can also use your Ventra card or pay as you go.
We recommend an app to help you plan. The Transit App will use your location to show you the nearest buses, where they’re heading and when they’re arriving. This app is a game changer!
MetrA Trains
The Metra is another train system in the Chicago area that unlike the L, the Metra extends all the way to Wisconsin (Illinois’ neighbor state to the north) Aurora and Joliet. (both suburbs of Chicago) This option is great for those who have to take a trip outside of Chicago to one of the major suburbs or for those who commute into the city. Unlike the L, it won’t get you everywhere, but if you have a route near you it is a great option. Fares vary from $4-$12 per single rides, and monthly passes cost anywhere from $120-$260 depending on the route you need.
Other methods of transportation
For those looking for another way to get around the city, Divvy bikes are a great alternative option. Although not entirely considered public transportation, there are hundreds of Divvy stands all over the Chicago area. This system is very cool! Basically, you sign up for Divvy with an app, and you pay a small fee to borrow a bike. You can rent by the hour, day, or even get an unlimited pass. You can pick up the bike at any stand, and return it to any other stand that is near your destination. With hundreds of stands and more being added every month, you will not have trouble locating one!
